A preview, statistics and best bets for this week's Humana Challenge in California.

The PGA Tour returns to mainland America for this week's Humana Challenge in the deserts of southern California.

Formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic and played over five rounds, this popular pro-am event became a 72-hole tournament in 2012 when the number of courses used to stage the competition was reduced from four to three.

Once again, the Palmer and Nicklaus courses at PGA West are being used, along with nearby La Quinta which made its debut in this event back in 1964.

All three venues in Palm Springs are overlooked by the Santa Rosa Mountains, with the Palmer layout remaining as tournament host.

Over the opening three days, the field will play one round at each course with those who survive the 54-hole cut heading back to Palmer on Sunday to decide the destiny of the title.

This year's instalment will be the 55th in its illustrious history and the first of six straight weeks on the west coast.

Note: The lowest round in tournament history was carded by David Duval in 1999 when he fired a closing 59 at PGA West (Palmer) to win by one stroke. The lowest tournament round ever registered at La Quinta is 61 by Lennie Clements in 1994.